Here’s what to expect from the Paris Air Show, one of the aviation industry’s biggest events
One of the biggest events in the world of aviation is about to happen for the first time in four years.
The famous Paris Air Show will officially return on Monday for the first time since 2019, Europe’s second largest Airshow since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
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The Paris Air Show, or Salon international de l’aéronautique et de l’espace de Paris-Le Bourget, takes place every two years in odd-numbered years, ending with the Farnborough Airshow outside London. Farnborough returned last year for the first time since the pandemic canceled the 2020 concert.
Large general aviation shows, combining civil and military aviation, provide an opportunity for companies to showcase their latest products and innovations, and for aircraft manufacturers to show off. aircraft and announce new products and developments. That includes close-up walks, tours of the inside of new aircraft, and immersive flight decks where test pilots can propel jets, helicopters, warplanes, and aircraft. stunt planes to their limit.
Importantly, programs are also an opportunity to finalize and publish transactions and orders with customers.
There are also a number of smaller regional general aviation shows around the world, including in Dubai, Singapore and Johannesburg, often focusing more on that region’s airlines and possible products. suitable for them. However, Paris and Farnborough are often seen as “home” performances by Toulouse-based Airbus and Arlington, Virginia-based Boeing, the two largest manufacturers of passenger planes, prompting the shows. acting increased in importance.
They are also the main home shows for American and European airlines, often having a presence and sometimes announcing new orders.
What to expect at the Paris Air Show
There is little indication that either aircraft manufacturer plans to announce a new aircraft program in Paris this year, although surprises are always possible.
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However, the show looks set to have some interesting updates and introductions.
Boeing plans to return with the 777-9, part of the new 777X generation that made its public debut at the 2021 Dubai Air Show, as well as the 737 MAX 10, which has moved closer to certification within the year. now following an agreement in Congress to authorize the certification of a number of adopted instruments from certified 737 MAX models.
Boeing also plans to feature the new 777X’s passenger interior for the first time, according to the airline, providing new flexible and spacious options for customers.
Saudi Arabia’s new major airline Riyadh Air, ordered up to 72 Boeing 787 Dreamliners earlier this year, is expected to go public with the first aircraft on display featuring the newly announced paintwork, while Gulf airline Qatar Airways has scheduled a number of media events throughout the show.
The new eVTOL sector will take a more prominent place at this year’s show than in the past, with Boeing-backed Eve Mobility’s Wisk expected to showcase full-scale production models of the aircraft. their under-developed taxi category. Other aspiring or developing programs, like Boom Supersonicwill also be present at the exhibition.
Meanwhile, Airbus will be displaying the on-demand A321LR and the highly anticipated long-range A321XLR, which was announced at the 2019 show and is undergoing the certification process upon completion of its test flight. first last year. The 321XLR is expected to participate in flight demonstrations at an air show for the first time.
Boeing, announced a series of large orders in the first half of this year – including a large amount Selling 737 MAX aircraft to low-cost airline Ryanair last month — according to a source, a relatively quieter show in terms of orders is expected, while Airbus is predicting a grand opening with orders for up to 500 aircraft flying the A320neo from India’s IndiGo airline, Bloomberg first report.
Reports of an impending Delta order for new wide-body aircraft rise last month, can be finalized and published in the program.
However, a flurry of orders is still possible as airlines scramble for delivery slots as increased travel demand in the wake of the pandemic and supply chain disruptions hamper efforts by carriers. aircraft manufacturers in delivering aircraft to customers. Thinking ahead, airlines are planning their fleets for the 2030s and looking to avoid long waits and missing out on key delivery opportunities.
Meanwhile, less flashy but still important suppliers like engine manufacturers and other component manufacturers will demonstrate new tools and parts that can help transform aviation, effectively unlock, longer range or more dynamic options for the aircraft.
